Adjust free-play in Mk 4 steering rack?

[John Phillips]

Finished my build in April 2024. The kit was purchased from FFR by the previous owner in 2014. I’ve put about 8,000 miles on this Mk4 “complete” kit in the past 9 months. I’m using a manual steering rack that came with the kit 10 years ago. I now have a couple of degrees of free-play at the steering wheel when steering, before any movement occurs at the wheels. Seems like I should be able to adjust out the free-play slop using the 15mm bolt on the rack, where the steering shaft enters the rack. ? All other steering components are tight & right. Any advice or technique instructions will be appreciated.

[michael everson]

Are you sure it there? If it is, I think you can loosen the big lock nut and tighten the bolt a bit. I took one apart one time and the bolt is pushing on a spring so don't expect miracles. I would have someone sit in the car and move the wheel back and forth as you hold ever joint to be sure none of them have slop in them.
Mike

[John Phillips]

Thanks Mike, I'll check all components again before fooling with that rack bolt.

[Jeff Kleiner]

John,
My initial suspicion would have me looking closely at that EPAS.

Jeff

[John Phillips]

Jeff. We’ve verified that The electric PS unit transmits 100% of the steering wheel movement through to the part of the steering shaft that joins to the steering rack. No play inside the PS motor unit. Seems like someone mentioned awhile ago that the frame tube the EPAS mounts to may flex during steering input, so I’ll try to recheck that idea too.